Chattanooga Whiskey has announced the newest release in its award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused. 

Inspired by the legendary Aztec drink Xocolatl (sho-co-LAHT-l), Batch 046 marks the return of fan-favorite, Experimental Batch 028: Cacao Infused, which was released in 2022. Like its predecessor, Batch 046 was infused  with whole cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla beans; but this time also sees the addition of two varieties of  dried chiles (Guajillo and Pasilla) to the all-natural infusion. 

“The history and lineage of hot cocoa is literally much ‘hotter’ than most people realize,” Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller, said in a news release. “Early versions of sipping  chocolate – which were developed by the Aztec and Mayan cultures – were actually served unsweetened and frothy at room temperature and often included the addition of hot chiles, which delivered a hot and spicy sensory experience.” 

As a bourbon liqueur, this batch brings together three select high rye malt and wheat malt mash bills,  which were distilled by a combination of pot and column distillation techniques. Together, the sweet and spicy  characteristics of the bourbons blend seamlessly with the hot and spicy characteristics of the spiced cacao  infusion. Infused with over 200 pounds of nibs and spices, each infusion ingredient was timed and removed  according to its impact in the bourbon blend. 

“At some point in the history of ‘hot cocoa’, the modern European style swapped out the capsaicin burn of Aztec  intensity for the warm, sugary-sweet hot cocoa we Americans know of today,” McCracken said. “But who says you can’t have both? By employing our all-natural cacao and chile infusion and using a range of bourbon recipes, this liqueur delivers a sensory experience that’s both soul-comforting and sensory-wakening.” 

Batch 046: Spiced Cacao Infused will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery starting Thursday, November 20th, at $54.99 for a 750ml bottle and available online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com.  

Described by the company as a “pre-built cocktail,” Batch 046 is bottled at a generous 85 proof (42.5% Alc/Vol)  and arrives just in time for the holidays. Ideal for a cozy holiday morning pick-me-up or a post-meal dessert on ice, expect notes of dark chocolate, prune, toasted chile pepper, chocolate covered raisin, and creamy horchata. 

Read more: Chattanooga Whiskey Releases New Bottled in Bond Vintage

About Chattanooga Whiskey 

Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga  for the first time in 100 years. As a result, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery – the only standalone experimental distillery in the country – was born. The distillery now hosts over 50,000 visitors annually and  serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. For more information, visit https://chattanoogawhiskey.com/.